Kid had seen the approaching storm coming. He knew that Jimmy and Lou had to be somewhere around here....because they were supposed to be near Rapid City; the place he had so joyfully departed from. This is like looking for two needles in a haystack. Where do I begin in all of this open country?
He resolved himself that if the two riders couldn't be found, that he would have to head back to the station and trust that they would find their own way home. Or so that's what he kept telling himself. Thinking and doing are two entirely different things.
The wind whistled and Katy became nervous as a bright flash of lightning struck the ground in the distance. "Yeah, I'm with you girl. I say we get out of here and find some cover."
"There, that's better already." Jimmy smiled at his own handiwork of constructing the 'perfect' campfire inside one of the caves they had sought shelter from.
Lou rubbed her hands over the fire in a desperate effort to warm them. "Yeah." Her teeth chattered in response. She didn't know why she was so chilled all of the sudden. The wet clothes that covered her body seemed to absorb every breeze of cold air that passed through the cave's entrance.
Jimmy noticed that she was freezing. In fact the healthy tone that she once had, now became a faint shade of purple. He had seen signs like this before, and it scared him. "Lou, are you alright?"
It was to his great relief to see her eyes still shine with a twinkle. She nodded with chattering teeth. He went over to their saddles and untied the blanket that Lou had been carrying with her. Carefully placing it on her shoulders, she nodded in gratitude. "Thank you. I'll be fine. Just got a little wet out there. That's all." She shivered.
"Still, I'm going to make us something hot to eat." Jimmy began searching for some way to heat the food that they had brought with them.
"You're going to cook?" Lou looked up at him questioningly.
Guess I don't have to worry about anything going to that woman's brain! She can still make a wise-crack, even when she feels terrible. "Yes I'm going to cook! And if you don't like it, don't eat it." He teased.
She managed a slight smile. Reaching over to her saddlebag she pulled out a dry shirt. "I'm just going to go change real fast." Jimmy nodded and she stepped further back into the cave and returned shortly.
He noticed something when she returned. Her purple face was now pale and almost yellow. She came back towards the fire holding her head in her hands, staggering slightly. "Lou! What's wrong!?" Jimmy exclaimed as he rushed over and caught her as she stumbled.
Her voice was soft and broken-up as she tried to speak. "I'm....I'm....so, dizzy."
"Noah, Ike. Wait a minute boys. I need to talk to you." Teaspoon called out as they mounted.
Both men eyed him curiously. "Is there a problem?" Noah asked.
"Yeah, there's been a change in plans. With Kid gone, I need you boys to stay around here. I've sent word to the next station, and they've agreed to take this ride for you." Teaspoon leaned against the hitching post.
Noah took a deep breath and dropped the bags he was carrying on the porch. Ike signed. *Where is Kid? Won't he be back soon?* He had really wanted this break from the normal routines and schedules.
Teaspoon wondered if he should tell the boys that he wasn't entirely sure where he was. "I just need you boys to stay here. Get your stuff inside and I'll explain." He was firm in his statement and walked away. They knew that there was nothing left to be discussed.
"Well, I guess nobody get's their way on this one." Noah mumbled as he unsaddled his horse.
The boys eased themselves down at the table. Teaspoon assumed his usual position at the head. "There's been several raids on the stations between here and Fort Bridger. That's why they're having some men from St. Joseph take this run."
"Do they know who's doing it?" Rachel asked as she poured them all some hot, steaming coffee and sat down.
Teaspoon took a sip of his drink. "It's suspected that it's nothin' more than a bunch of kids just trying to have fun. But, seeing as we don't know for sure, Russell, Majors, and Waddell wants us to be a bit careful. Their horses and supplies are too valuable."
Just as he had finished the last sentence, Buck burst into the bunkhouse covered with dirt. He looked like he had taken a few tumbles. "The station was attacked. I think they've stolen several of the horses." He spoke rapidly.
Teaspoon raised his hand. "Woah, wait a minute. Which station?"
"Laramie."
"Do you know who it was?"
Buck tossed his things aside and took off his hat. "I got there afterwards. Nobody could tell me anything. They said it was dark outside when it all happened. I'm here early because the mail I was supposed to take was also stolen."
The rain was pouring down so hard that Kid couldn't see anything in front of him. It was probably one of the worst storms he had ever seen. Well that's just great....the trail's going to be completely gone now. He pushed himself off of Katy and walked in front of her hoping to see the ground better.
After trudging through the mud only being able to see a few feet in front of him, he heard the faint sounds of what sounded like someone yelling. He strained to figure out which way the source of the noise was coming from. Kid followed it, as it seemed to come from straight ahead.
As he got closer, he could barely make out what the men were shouting. "Move them over here! Come on, we don't have all day!" Just then he was able to make out the distinct sound of fast-paced horses. He was just in time to step out of the path of one of the straying animals. Katy fought Kid's grip on her rein, as she tried to escape the path of the rampage. "Easy girl, easy." Kid cried soothingly.
Within a few moments, the horses, and apparently the riders, had passed by them. "Boy, you sure are in a hurry to get somewhere." Kid called out sarcastically.
On to Part Three.